The Value of Positive Psychology for Health Psychology: Progress and Pitfalls in Examining the Relation of Positive Phenomena to Health

Aspinwall, Lisa G.; Tedeschi, Richard G.

doi:10.1007/s12160-009-9153-0

Cited by 271Optimism, Hope, and Well-beingPsychological Well-being and Life SatisfactionHealth, psychology, and well-being

The Value of Positive Psychology for Health Psychology: Progress and Pitfalls in Examining the Relation of Positive Phenomena to Health

Aspinwall, Lisa G., Tedeschi, Richard G.·2010·Annals of Behavioral Medicine

DOI 10.1007/s12160-009-9153-0

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Abstract

The growth of the "positive psychology" movement reflects increased scientific and lay interest in the relation of positive phenomena to mental and physical health and the corresponding potential for interventions that promote positive feelings, thoughts, and experiences to improve health and well-being. In this article, we (1) consider research on optimism, sense of coherence, and posttraumatic growth that predates the contemporary emphasis on positive psychology, but has clear and increasingly well-supported connections to health psychology, (2) examine several potential mechanisms through which such positive phenomena may influence the etiology, progression, and management of illness, (3) identify four pervasive but misleading assumptions about positive phenomena that may limit both scientific research and practical application, and (4) caution against serious pitfalls of popular views of positive thinking, such as its promotion as a cure for cancer and other diseases. We conclude with recommendations for the balanced scientific investigation and application of positive phenomena.

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Positive experiences and cognitions can help people better attend to and process health information, including unbiased and open appraisal of negative health information.
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Positive affect is linked to improved coping and problem-solving skills.
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From Positive Psychological Interventions for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: Rationale, Theoretical Model, and Intervention Development (2015) · cites this paper as [56]
Positive states are thought to improve people's social, psychological, and physical resources.
“Broadly, positive states are thought to improve people's social, psychological, and physical resources [55–57].”
From Positive Psychological Interventions for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: Rationale, Theoretical Model, and Intervention Development (2015) · cites this paper as [56]
Positive psychological constructs appear to affect attention and cognitive processing.
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From Positive Psychological Interventions for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: Rationale, Theoretical Model, and Intervention Development (2015) · cites this paper as [56]
Positive affect may have stress-buffering effects that allow for a broader range of adaptive and creative coping skills.
“positive affect may have stress-buffering effects that allow for a broader range of adaptive and creative coping skills [56]”
From Positive Psychological Interventions for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: Rationale, Theoretical Model, and Intervention Development (2015) · cites this paper as [56]

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Lev‐Wiesel, R., & Amir, M. (2014) · Routledge eBooks · doi:10.4324/9781315805597-16 · Cited by 235 · see citing works
The psychology of action
Haggard, P. (2001) · British Journal of Psychology · doi:10.1348/000712601162121 · Cited by 225 · see citing works
Oxford handbook of positive psychology
(2009) · Choice Reviews Online · doi:10.5860/choice.47-1719 · Cited by 223 · see citing works
Optimism and immunity: Do positive thoughts always lead to positive effects?
Segerstrom, S. C. (2004) · Brain Behavior and Immunity · doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2004.08.003 · Cited by 222 · see citing works
Coping with irrevocable loss.
Wortman, C. B., & Silver, R. C. (1987) · American Psychological Association eBooks · doi:10.1037/11106-005 · Cited by 220 · see citing works
Positive affect as a source of human strength.
Isen, A. M. (2003) · American Psychological Association eBooks · doi:10.1037/10566-013 · Cited by 218 · see citing works
Dispositional Optimism Predicts Survival Status 1 Year After Diagnosis in Head and Neck Cancer Patients
Allison, P. J., Guichard, C., Fung, K., & Gilain, L. (2003) · Journal of Clinical Oncology · doi:10.1200/jco.2003.10.092 · Cited by 216 · see citing works
The role of rumination in the coexistence of distress and posttraumatic growth among bereaved Japanese university students.
Taku, K., Calhoun, L. G., Cann, A., & Tedeschi, R. G. (2008) · Death Studies · doi:10.1080/07481180801974745 · Cited by 212 · see citing works
Self-citation
Dispositional optimism and health behaviour in community‐dwelling older people: Associations with healthy ageing
Steptoe, A., Wright, C., Kunz‐Ebrecht, S. R., & Iliffe, S. (2006) · British Journal of Health Psychology · doi:10.1348/135910705x42850 · Cited by 211 · see citing works
Psychological vulnerability and stress: The effects of self-affirmation on sympathetic nervous system responses to naturalistic stressors.
Sherman, D. K., Bunyan, D. P., Creswell, J. D., & Jaremka, L. M. (2009) · Health Psychology · doi:10.1037/a0014663 · Cited by 211 · see citing works
The role of optimism in social network development, coping, and psychological adjustment during a life transition.
Brissette, I., Scheier, M. F., & Carver, C. S. (2002) · Journal of Personality and Social Psychology · doi:10.1037//0022-3514.82.1.102 · Cited by 210 · see citing works
Hardiness and stress moderation: A test of proposed mechanisms.
Wiebe, D. J. (1991) · Journal of Personality and Social Psychology · doi:10.1037/0022-3514.60.1.89 · Cited by 209 · see citing works
Turning adversity to advantage: On the virtues of the coactivation of positive and negative emotions.
Larsen, J. T., Hemenover, S. H., Norris, C. J., & Cacioppo, J. T. (2003) · A psychology of human strengths: Fundamental questions and future directions for a positive psychology. · doi:10.1037/10566-015 · Cited by 203 · see citing works
Lifestyle and dietary correlates of dispositional optimism in men: The Zutphen Elderly Study
Giltay, E. J., Geleijnse, J. M., Zitman, F. G., Buijsse, B., & Kromhout, D. (2007) · Journal of Psychosomatic Research · doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2007.07.014 · Cited by 197 · see citing works
Positive affect uniquely predicts lower risk of mortality in people with diabetes.
Moskowitz, J. T., Epel, E. S., & Acree, M. (2008) · Health Psychology · doi:10.1037/0278-6133.27.1.s73 · Cited by 191 · see citing works
Walking the tightrope between feeling good and being accurate: Mood as a resource in processing persuasive messages.
Raghunathan, R., & Trope, Y. (2002) · Journal of Personality and Social Psychology · doi:10.1037/0022-3514.83.3.510 · Cited by 190 · see citing works
Resolving Conflicts Among Self-Evaluative Motives: Positive Experiences as a Resource for Overcoming Defensiveness
Yaacov Trope, B., & Pomerantz, E. M. (1998) · Motivation and Emotion · doi:10.1023/a:1023044625309 · Cited by 181 · see citing works
Understanding how optimism works: An examination of optimists' adaptive moderation of belief and behavior.
Aspinwall, L. G., Richter, L., & Hoffman, R. R. (2001) · American Psychological Association eBooks · doi:10.1037/10385-010 · Cited by 176 · see citing works
Self-citation
The Human Quest for Meaning
Wong, P.-M., & Fry, P. S. (1998) · University of Groningen research database (University of Groningen / Centre for Information Technology) · Cited by 165 · see citing works
Positive effects of illness reported by myocardial infarction and breast cancer patients
Petrie, K. J., Buick, D. L., Weinman, J. A., & Booth, R. J. (1999) · Journal of Psychosomatic Research · doi:10.1016/s0022-3999(99)00054-9 · Cited by 155 · see citing works
Cataclysms, crises, and catastrophes: Psychology in action.
(1987) · American Psychological Association eBooks · doi:10.1037/11106-000 · Cited by 148 · see citing works
The Costs and Benefits of Optimistic Explanations and Dispositional Optimism
Tennen, H. A., & Affleck, G. G. (1987) · Journal of Personality · doi:10.1111/j.1467-6494.1987.tb00443.x · Cited by 143 · see citing works
Psychotherapy and survival in cancer: The conflict between hope and evidence.
Coyne, J. C., Stefanek, M. E., & Palmer, S. C. (2007) · Psychological Bulletin · doi:10.1037/0033-2909.133.3.367 · Cited by 142 · see citing works
LONG-TERM ADJUSTMENT AND ADAPTATION MECHANISMS IN SEVERELY BURNED ADULTS
Andreasen, N. J. C., & NORRIS, A. S. (1972) · The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease · doi:10.1097/00005053-197205000-00004 · Cited by 140 · see citing works
Goal Shifts Following Reminders of Mortality: Reconciling Posttraumatic Growth and Terror Management Theory
Lykins, E. L. B., Segerstrom, S. C., Averill, A. J., Evans, D. R., & Kemeny, M. E. (2007) · Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin · doi:10.1177/0146167207303015 · Cited by 138 · see citing works
Positive fantasy and motivation
Oettingen, G. (1996) · Cited by 135 · see citing works
Taking positive changes seriously
Aspinwall, L. G., & MacNamara, A. (2005) · Cancer · doi:10.1002/cncr.21244 · Cited by 133 · see citing works
Self-citation
Assessing positive life change: In search of meticulous methods.
Tennen, H. A., & Affleck, G. G. (2009) · American Psychological Association eBooks · doi:10.1037/11854-002 · Cited by 129 · see citing works
Efficacy of psychosocial interventions in cancer care: Evidence is weaker than it first looks
Coyne, J. C., Lepore, S. J., & Palmer, S. C. (2006) · Annals of Behavioral Medicine · doi:10.1207/s15324796abm3202_5 · Cited by 122 · see citing works
Turning Fantasies About Positive and Negative Futures into Self-Improvement Goals
Oettingen, G., Mayer, D., Thorpe, J. S., Janetzke, H., & Lorenz, S. (2005) · Motivation and Emotion · doi:10.1007/s11031-006-9016-y · Cited by 116 · see citing works
Static, dynamic, and causative bipolarity of affect.
GREEN, D. P., Salovey, P., & Truax, K. M. (1999) · Journal of Personality and Social Psychology · doi:10.1037//0022-3514.76.5.856 · Cited by 114 · see citing works
Health Status and Behavioral Outcomes for Youth Who Anticipate a High Likelihood of Early Death
Borowsky, I. W., Ireland, M., & Resnick, M. D. (2009) · PEDIATRICS · doi:10.1542/peds.2008-3425 · Cited by 106 · see citing works
A multidimensional analysis of internal health locus of control beliefs: Separating the wheat from the chaff?
Marshall, G. N. (1991) · Journal of Personality and Social Psychology · doi:10.1037//0022-3514.61.3.483 · Cited by 103 · see citing works
How self-affirmation reduces defensive processing of threatening health information: Evidence at the implicit level.
van Koningsbruggen, G. M., Das, E., & Roskos-Ewoldsen, D. R. (2009) · Health Psychology · doi:10.1037/a0015610 · Cited by 100 · see citing works
A psychology of human strengths: Some central issues of an emerging field.
Aspinwall, L. G., & Staudinger, U. M. (2003) · American Psychological Association eBooks · doi:10.1037/10566-001 · Cited by 97 · see citing works
Self-citation
Ironies of the human condition: Well-being and health on the way to mortality.
Ryff, C. D., & Singer, B. H. (2003) · American Psychological Association eBooks · doi:10.1037/10566-019 · Cited by 96 · see citing works
A multidimensional analysis of internal health locus of control beliefs: Separating the wheat from the chaff?
Marshall, G. N. (1991) · Journal of Personality and Social Psychology · doi:10.1037/0022-3514.61.3.483 · Cited by 79 · see citing works
Static, dynamic, and causative bipolarity of affect.
GREEN, D. P., Salovey, P., & Truax, K. M. (1999) · Journal of Personality and Social Psychology · doi:10.1037/0022-3514.76.5.856 · Cited by 78 · see citing works
The Human Side of Cancer: Living With Hope, Coping With Uncertainty
Wise, T. N. (2002) · American Journal of Psychiatry · doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.159.2.335-a · Cited by 61 · see citing works
Expect the Best and Prepare for the Worst: Anticipatory Coping and Preparations for Y2K
Aspinwall, L. G., Sechrist, G. B., & Jones, P. R. (2005) · Motivation and Emotion · doi:10.1007/s11031-006-9008-y · Cited by 58 · see citing works
Self-citation
In the mood to face the facts: When a positive mood promotes systematic processing of self-threatening information
Das, E. H. H. J., & Fennis, B. M. (2008) · Motivation and Emotion · doi:10.1007/s11031-008-9093-1 · Cited by 57 · see citing works
Reacting to Perceived High- and Low-Risk Win–Lose Opportunities in a Risky Decision-Making Task: Is It Framing or Affect or Both?
Nygren, T. E. (1998) · Motivation and Emotion · doi:10.1023/a:1023096709380 · Cited by 49 · see citing works
Psychosocial Factors and Disease Progression in Cancer
Antoni, M. H., & Lutgendorf, S. K. (2007) · Current Directions in Psychological Science · doi:10.1111/j.1467-8721.2007.00472.x · Cited by 38 · see citing works
Positive Mood and Future-Oriented Self-Evaluation
Gervey, B., Igou, E. R., & Yaacov Trope, B. (2005) · Motivation and Emotion · doi:10.1007/s11031-006-9011-3 · Cited by 36 · see citing works
Individual differences in optimism predict the recall of personally relevant information
Abele, A. E., & Gendolla, G. H. E. (2007) · Personality and Individual Differences · doi:10.1016/j.paid.2007.03.005 · Cited by 27 · see citing works
Positive Psychology and Health Psychology: A Fruitful Liaison
Taylor, S. E., & Sherman, D. K. (2004) · Wiley eBooks · doi:10.1002/9780470939338.ch19 · Cited by 25 · see citing works
Care The Use and Misuse of Some Positively Valenced Community Concepts
Cowen, E. L. (2001) · Community Mental Health Journal · doi:10.1023/a:1026536220457 · Cited by 14 · see citing works
God and Agency in the Era of Molecular Medicine: Religious Beliefs Predict Sun-Protection Behaviors Following Melanoma Genetic Test Reporting
Leaf, S. L., Aspinwall, L. G., & Leachman, S. A. (2010) · Archive for the Psychology of Religion · doi:10.1163/008467210x12626615185784 · Cited by 12 · see citing works
Self-citation
Enhancing positive adaptation: Example intervention during treatment for breast cancer.
Antoni, M. H., Carver, C. S., & Lechner, S. C. (2009) · American Psychological Association eBooks · doi:10.1037/11854-011 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
Biological correlates: How psychological components of benefit finding may lead to physiological benefits.
Bower, J. E., Epel, E., & Moskowitz, J. T. (2009) · American Psychological Association eBooks · doi:10.1037/11854-009 · Cited by 7 · see citing works

Flagged first, then by citations

Sorted by citations

Review of the Application of Positive Psychology to Substance Use, Addiction, and Recovery Research
Krentzman, A. (2012) · Psychology of Addictive Behaviors · doi:10.1037/a0029897 · Cited by 164 · see citing works
Resilience in chronic diseases: A systematic review
Cal, S. F., de Sá, L. R., Glustak, M. E., & Santiago, M. B. (2015) · Cogent Psychology · doi:10.1080/23311908.2015.1024928 · Cited by 170 · see citing works
“(2011) and Aspinwall and Tedeschi (2010). Further studies will be necessary to explore this aspect.”
Background
Meaning in life: An important factor for the psychological well-being of chronically ill patients?
Dezutter, J., Casalin, S., Wachholtz, A., Luyckx, K., Hekking, J., & Vandewiele, W. (2013) · Rehabilitation Psychology · doi:10.1037/a0034393 · Cited by 164 · see citing works
Relationship between life satisfaction and physical health in older adults: A longitudinal test of cross-lagged and simultaneous effects.
Gana, K., Bailly, N., Saada, Y., Joulain, M., Trouillet, R., Hervé, C., & Alaphilippe, D. (2013) · Health Psychology · doi:10.1037/a0031656 · Cited by 163 · see citing works
Assessing Psychological Well-Being: Self-Report Instruments for the NIH Toolbox
Salsman, J., Lai, J., Hendrie, H., Butt, Z., Zill, N., Pilkonis, P., Peterson, C., Stoney, C., Brouwers, P., & Cella, D. (2013) · Quality of Life Research · doi:10.1007/s11136-013-0452-3 · Cited by 147 · see citing works
“Research on psychological well-being (PWB) has received increasing attention over the past decade in part due to the growth of the positive psychology movement [1] and renewed interest on the relationship between positive psychology and health [2].”
Background
Building Resilience for Palliative Care Clinicians: An Approach to Burnout Prevention Based on Individual Skills and Workplace Factors
Back, A. L., Steinhauser, K. E., Kamal, A. H., & Jackson, V. A. (2016) · Journal of Pain and Symptom Management · doi:10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2016.02.002 · Cited by 152 · see citing works
Online Positive Affect Journaling in the Improvement of Mental Distress and Well-Being in General Medical Patients With Elevated Anxiety Symptoms: A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial
Smyth, J. M., Johnson, J. A., Auer, B. J., Lehman, E. B., Talamo, G., & Sciamanna, C. (2018) · JMIR Mental Health · doi:10.2196/11290 · Cited by 151 · see citing works
“During each Web-based writing session, participants logged onto the study website and wrote a journal entry on 1 of the 7 commonly used positive affect prompts (eg, What are you thankful for? What did someone else do for you?; full details available upon request) [60]; all entries were saved on a secure server.”
Method
Development and validation of the positive affect and well-being scale for the neurology quality of life (Neuro-QOL) measurement system
Salsman, J. M., Victorson, D. E., Choi, S. W., Peterman, A. H., Heinemann, A. W., Nowinski, C. J., & Cella, D. F. (2013) · Quality of Life Research · doi:10.1007/s11136-013-0382-0 · Cited by 141 · see citing works
“This is especially germane as advances in medicine result in more people surviving and even thriving despite significant illnesses [2].”
Background
Does Life Satisfaction Change in Old Age: Results From an 8-Year Longitudinal Study
Gana, K., Bailly, N., Saada, Y., Joulain, M., & Alaphilippe, D. (2012) · The Journals of Gerontology Series B · doi:10.1093/geronb/gbs093 · Cited by 139 · see citing works
“…by guest on 30 July 2018 light of limitations of correlation-based analysis (i.e., SeM) used in this study. indeed, the relationships between physical health and SWB are still a matter of debate (Aspinwall & Tedeschi, 2010; Coyne & Tennen, 2010).”
So Far So Good: An Overview of Positive Psychology and Its Contributions to SLA
MacIntyre, P. D. (2016) · Second Language Learning and Teaching · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-32954-3_1 · Cited by 144 · see citing works
“The counter position by Aspinwall and Tedeschi (2010b) suggest that some key studies were overlooked by the critics, and that narrow health outcomes such as mortality rates do not capture important variables such as quality of life, social support, and reduced anxiety.”
Background
Meaning in life in chronic pain patients over time: associations with pain experience and psychological well-being
Dezutter, J., Luyckx, K., & Wachholtz, A. (2014) · Journal of Behavioral Medicine · doi:10.1007/s10865-014-9614-1 · Cited by 134 · see citing works
“of positive psychology and health showed that the type of disease might influence the mental health outcomes (Aspinwall and Tedeschi 2010).”
Background
Positive Psychological Interventions for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: Rationale, Theoretical Model, and Intervention Development
Huffman, J. C., DuBois, C. M., Millstein, R. A., Celano, C. M., & Wexler, D. (2015) · Journal of Diabetes Research · doi:10.1155/2015/428349 · Cited by 127 · see citing works
“Psychological States, Health Outcomes, and Health Behaviors.”
Background
Positive maternal mental health, parenting, and child development
Phua, D. Y., Kee, M. Z. L., & Meaney, M. J. (2020) · Biological Psychiatry · doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.09.028 · Cited by 124 · see citing works
Living positively with dementia: a systematic review and synthesis of the qualitative literature
Wolverson, E., Clarke, C., & Moniz-Cook, E. D. (2015) · Aging & Mental Health · doi:10.1080/13607863.2015.1052777 · Cited by 115 · see citing works
“…such as hope, optimism, reciprocity, benefit-finding and personal growth are linked with positive adjustment to chronic physical health problems (Aspinwall & Tedeschi, 2010) and such constructs are beginning to be applied to understanding adjustment to dementia (Duggleby, Williams, Wright, &…”
Background
Positive Psychology in Cancer Care: A Story Line Resistant to Evidence
Coyne, J. C., Tennen, H. A., & Ranchor, A. V. (2010) · Annals of Behavioral Medicine · doi:10.1007/s12160-010-9157-9 · Cited by 114 · see citing works
A Positive Psychology Intervention for Patients with an Acute Coronary Syndrome: Treatment Development and Proof-of-Concept Trial
Huffman, J. C., Millstein, R. A., Mastromauro, C. A., Moore, S. V., Celano, C. M., Bedoya, C. A., Suarez, L., Boehm, J. K., & Januzzi, J. L. (2016) · Journal of Happiness Studies · doi:10.1007/s10902-015-9681-1 · Cited by 102 · see citing works
“1 million persons in the United States are hospitalized for an acute coronary syndrome (ACS; myocardial infarction or unstable angina) (Mozaffarian et al. 2015; Aspinwall and Tedeschi 2010).”
Influential
Positive Psychology Group Intervention for Breast Cancer Patients: A Randomised Trial
Cerezo, M. V., Ortiz‐Tallo, M., Cardenal, V., & de la Torre‐Luque, A. (2014) · Psychological Reports · doi:10.2466/15.20.pr0.115c17z7 · Cited by 91 · see citing works
Post-traumatic growth in mothers of children with autism: A phenomenological study
Zhang, W., Yan, T. T., Barriball, K. L., While, A., & Liu, X. H. (2013) · Autism · doi:10.1177/1362361313509732 · Cited by 92 · see citing works
“Since it is recognized that concepts with a ‘positive flavour’ link to multiple processes likely to influence health outcomes (Aspinwall and Tedeschi, 2010) such as less emotional distress (Ickovics et al.”
Background
Happiness intervention decreases pain and depression, boosts happiness among primary care patients
Lambert, L., Moliver, N., & Thompson, D. (2014) · Primary Health Care Research & Development · doi:10.1017/s146342361300056x · Cited by 91 · see citing works
“In contrast, positive psychological interventions (PPIs), empirically derived activities that promote the building of positive states (Pawelski, 2009), have been found to promote physical health (Seligman, 2008; Fowler, 2009; Aspinwall and Tedeschi, 2010).”
Promoting positive change in the face of adversity: experiences of cancer and post-traumatic growth
Connerty, T. J., & Knott, V. E. (2013) · European Journal of Cancer Care · doi:10.1111/ecc.12036 · Cited by 86 · see citing works
Wellness and multiple sclerosis: The National MS Society establishes a Wellness Research Working Group and research priorities
Motl, R. W., Mowry, E. M., Ehde, D. M., LaRocca, N. G., Smith, K. E., Costello, K., Shinto, L. H., Ng, A. V., Sullivan, A. B., Giesser, B. S., et al. (2017) · Multiple Sclerosis Journal · doi:10.1177/1352458516687404 · Cited by 83 · see citing works
School-Based Groups to Support Multiethnic Sexual Minority Youth Resiliency: Preliminary Effectiveness
Craig, S. L., Austin, A., & McInroy, L. B. (2013) · Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal · doi:10.1007/s10560-013-0311-7 · Cited by 81 · see citing works
Linking dispositional mindfulness and positive psychological processes in cancer survivorship: a multivariate path analytic test of the mindfulness-to-meaning theory
Garland, E. L., Thielking, P., Thomas, E. A., Coombs, M., White, S., Lombardi, J., & Beck, A. (2017) · Psycho-Oncology · doi:10.1002/pon.4065 · Cited by 72 · see citing works
“To be clear, the literature is mixed with regard to whether or not positive psychological processes definitively enhance psychological health among cancer survivors [29]; the causality may indeed be reversed such that having better psychological health may lead to increased use of positive psychological processes.”
Background
Birth trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder: the importance of risk and resilience
Ayers, S. (2017) · Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology · doi:10.1080/02646838.2017.1386874 · Cited by 73 · see citing works
“It encompasses many different theoretical and research areas that have a common focus on positive human functioning, health and adaptation to adversity (Aspinwall & Tedeschi, 2010).”
Does mindfulness attenuate thoughts emphasizing negativity, but not positivity?
Kiken, L. G., & Shook, N. J. (2014) · Journal of Research in Personality · doi:10.1016/j.jrp.2014.08.002 · Cited by 70 · see citing works
“A large body of psychological evidence implicates thoughts that emphasize negativity in stress and depression, whereas thoughts that emphasize positivity often, although not always, can benefit well-being (cf. Aspinwall & Tedeschi, 2010; Beck, 2008).”
Background
Politics perceptions as moderator of the political skill – job performance relationship: A two-study, cross-national, constructive replication
Kapoutsis, I., Papalexandris, A., Nikolopoulos, A. G., Hochwarter, W. A., & Ferris, G. R. (2010) · Journal of Vocational Behavior · doi:10.1016/j.jvb.2010.09.009 · Cited by 72 · see citing works
The effect of the 2019 novel coronavirus pandemic on college students in Wuhan.
Yang, D., Tu, C. C., & Dai, X. (2020) · Psychological Trauma Theory Research Practice and Policy · doi:10.1037/tra0000930 · Cited by 67 · see citing works
The Associations of Psychological Stress with Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms among Chinese Bladder and Renal Cancer Patients: The Mediating Role of Resilience
Li, M., & Wang, L. (2016) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0154729 · Cited by 64 · see citing works
“Recent research has gradually shifted attention from negative predictors to exploration of the effects of positive constructs in cancer patients [11, 14, 15].”
Background
A Randomised Trial of a Positive Intervention to Promote Well‐Being in Cardiac Patients
Sanjuán, P., Montalbetti, T., García, A. M. P., Bermúdez, J., Arranz, H., & Castro, A. (2016) · Applied Psychology Health and Well-Being · doi:10.1111/aphw.12062 · Cited by 63 · see citing works
Positive psychological functioning in breast cancer: An integrative review
Casellas‐Grau, A., Vives, J., Font, A., & Ochoa, C. (2016) · The Breast · doi:10.1016/j.breast.2016.04.001 · Cited by 63 · see citing works
“Zoellner and Maercker, 2006 [19]) PTG specifically refers to a person's transformation, after some time elapsed from trauma, to gain a better appreciation of life, an improvement in their relationships with others, an increase in their personal strengths, a spiritual change and development, and to gain new life opport…”
Background
Effects of optimism on recovery and mental health after a tornado outbreak
Carbone, E. G., & Echols, E. T. (2017) · Psychology and Health · doi:10.1080/08870446.2017.1283039 · Cited by 63 · see citing works
“Previous research has linked dispositional optimism to more effective coping strategies and positive health behaviors, leading to better health outcomes and subjective well-being (Aspinwall & Tedeschi, 2010; Carver et al., 1994, 2010; Nes & Segerstrom, 2006).”
Background
Positive maternal mental health during pregnancy associated with specific forms of adaptive development in early childhood: Evidence from a longitudinal study
Phua, D. Y., Kee, M. Z. L., Koh, D. X. P., Rifkin-Graboi, A. E., Daniels, M., Chen, H., Chong, Y. S., Broekman, B. F. P., Magiati, I., Karnani, N., et al. (2017) · Development and Psychopathology · doi:10.1017/s0954579417001249 · Cited by 63 · see citing works
“Positive mental health in young adulthood can even predict a range of health outcomes (Aspinwall & Tedeschi, 2010; Howell, Kern, & Lyubomirsky, 2007) as well as mortality in late adulthood (Danner, Snowdon, & Friesen, 2001).”
Background
Factor structure and concurrent validity of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory–Short Form among veterans from the Iraq War
Kaler, M. E., Erbes, C. R., Tedeschi, R. G., Arbisi, P. A., & Polusny, M. A. (2011) · Journal of Traumatic Stress · doi:10.1002/jts.20623 · Cited by 61 · see citing works
“…of coping than pre-to-post-trauma changes (Frazier et al., 2009), others have leveled significant methodological concerns over the strength of this evidence, critiquing sample characteristics, study design, and operationalizations of “actual,” versus perceived growth (Aspinwall & Tedeschi, 2010).”
BackgroundSelf-citation
Feasibility, acceptability and preliminary psychological benefits of mindfulness meditation training in a sample of men diagnosed with prostate cancer on active surveillance: results from a randomized controlled pilot trial.
Victorson, D., Hankin, V., Burns, J., Weiland, R., Maletich, C., Sufrin, N., Schuette, S., Gutierrez, B., & Brendler, C. (2017) · Psycho-Oncology · doi:10.1002/pon.4135 · Cited by 56 · see citing works
“While PTG has been associated with several positive health outcomes, caution has been advised to not simply prescribe explicit PTG-enhancing interventions prematurely as it may lead to cancer patients blaming themselves or feeling inadequate if these phenomena do not naturally occur [25].”
Background
Putting the positive in health psychology: A content analysis of three journals
Schmidt, C. K., Raque‐Bogdan, T. L., Piontkowski, S., & Schaefer, K. L. (2011) · Journal of Health Psychology · doi:10.1177/1359105310384296 · Cited by 56 · see citing works
“On the other side of the coin, recent commentary in health psychology has pointed to a surge of interest in positive psychology, resulting in research claims and conclusions that may be premature and misleading (Aspinwall and Tedeschi, 2010; Coyne and Tennen, 2010).”
Background
Relationship between coping, rumination and posttraumatic growth in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorders
Zhang, W., Yan, T., Du, Y., & Liu, X. (2013) · Research in Autism · doi:10.1016/j.rasd.2013.07.008 · Cited by 51 · see citing works
“…more than reducing stress, it could also make individual feel good in the short-term, and build personal and social resources in ways that promote better long-term outcomes (Aspinwall & Tedeschi, 2010), which makes it reasonable to infer that positive coping could facilitate the PTG of mothers.”
Background
Patients’ understanding of treatment goals and disease course and their relationship with optimism, hope, and quality of life: a preliminary study among advanced breast cancer outpatients before receiving palliative treatment
Soylu, C., Babacan, T., Sever, A. R., & Altundağ, K. (2016) · Supportive Care in Cancer · doi:10.1007/s00520-016-3182-6 · Cited by 48 · see citing works
Effects of an Empowerment Program on Resilience and Posttraumatic Growth Levels of Cancer Survivors
Üzar‐Özçetin, Y. S., & Hi̇çdurmaz, D. (2018) · Cancer Nursing · doi:10.1097/ncc.0000000000000644 · Cited by 50 · see citing works
“Another issue regarding PTG is the increased wellbeing, which causes mental and physical health promotion by improving positive thinking, emotions, and experiences.(30)”
Background
Health-specific optimism mediates between objective and perceived physical functioning in older adults
Warner, L. M., Schwarzer, R., Schüz, B., Wurm, S., & Tesch‐Römer, C. (2011) · Journal of Behavioral Medicine · doi:10.1007/s10865-011-9368-y · Cited by 42 · see citing works
“The more general question to which degree optimism serves as a resilience factor in the face of adversity, such as multimorbidity, requires more research into the diversity of optimism constructs and their interplay with related positive resources or human strengths and values ( Aspinwall & Tedeschi, 2010 ).”
Influential
Subjective wellbeing and longevity: Findings from a 22-year cohort study
Gana, K., Broc, G., Saada, Y., Amieva, H., & Quintard, B. (2016) · Journal of Psychosomatic Research · doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2016.04.004 · Cited by 42 · see citing works
“, happy, pleased, joyful, inspired) on health and longevity [1,2,10,11].”
Background
Protective psychosocial factors and dental caries in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
da Silva, A. N., de lima, S. T. A., & Vettore, M. V. (2018) · International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry · doi:10.1111/ipd.12375 · Cited by 40 · see citing works
Building children and young people’s resilience: Lessons from psychology
Brown, R. (2015) · International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction · doi:10.1016/j.ijdrr.2015.06.007 · Cited by 43 · see citing works
Mood as a resource in dealing with health recommendations: How mood affects information processing and acceptance of quit-smoking messages
Das, E. H. H. J., Vonkeman, C., & Hartmann, T. (2011) · Psychology and Health · doi:10.1080/08870446.2011.569888 · Cited by 39 · see citing works
“For instance, psychological resources such as optimism and sense of coherence can help deal with adversity (Aspinwall & Tedeschi, 2010; Taylor & Brown, 1998; Taylor, Kemeny, Reed, Bower, & Gruenewald, 2000).”
BackgroundResultInfluential
Stressful life events in childhood and adulthood and risk of physical, psychological and cognitive multimorbidities: a multicohort study
Zhou, Y., Mika Kivimaki, B., Holt‐Lunstad, J., Yan, L. L., Zhang, Y., Wang, H. Z., Wang, S., & Xu, X. (2025) · EClinicalMedicine · doi:10.1016/j.eclinm.2025.103225 · Cited by 38 · see citing works
“44 To characterise the role of SLEs in each health transition leading to PPC-MM, we further conducted multi-state models to explore the associations between stressful life events across life course and the likelihood of transitions from baseline to different PPC-MM patterns.”
Dyadic influence of hope and optimism on patient marital satisfaction among couples with advanced breast cancer
Rock, E. E., Steiner, J. L., Rand, K. L., & Bigatti, S. M. (2014) · Supportive Care in Cancer · doi:10.1007/s00520-014-2209-0 · Cited by 40 · see citing works
“Recent health psychology research has moved away from an exclusive focus on negative predictors and started to explore the role of positive psychological constructs in order to explain differences in quality of life among cancer patients [12].”
Adverse childhood experiences in depression and the mediating role of multimorbidity in mid-late life: A nationwide longitudinal study
Zheng, X., Cui, Y., Xue, Y., Shi, L., Guo, Y., Dong, F., & Zhang, C. (2022) · Journal of Affective Disorders · doi:10.1016/j.jad.2022.01.040 · Cited by 37 · see citing works
Central vestibular dysfunction: don’t forget vestibular rehabilitation
Zhang, S., Liu, D., Tian, E., Wang, J., Guo, Z., & Kong, W. (2022) · Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics · doi:10.1080/14737175.2022.2106129 · Cited by 39 · see citing works
“Factors affecting VR, including rehabilitation assessment procedures [158], strategies and dosage, and patients’ involvement [159].”
Background
Examining the effects of perceived social support on momentary mood and symptom reports in asthma and arthritis patients
Smyth, J. M., Zawadzki, M. J., Santuzzi, A. M., & Filipkowski, K. B. (2014) · Psychology and Health · doi:10.1080/08870446.2014.889139 · Cited by 37 · see citing works
“In addition, mood (Affleck et al., 1999, 2000) and psychological functioning (Aspinwall & Tedeschi, 2010) have been implicated in health-related outcomes.”
Background
Validation of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey 9-item short version: psychometric properties and measurement invariance across age, gender, and continent
Wang, A., Duan, Y., Norton, P., Leiter, M. P., & Estabrooks, C. A. (2024) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1439470 · Cited by 34 · see citing works
Children's Positive Dispositional Attributes, Parents’ Empathic Responses, and Children's Responses to Painful Pediatric Oncology Treatment Procedures
Harper, F. W. K., Penner, L. A., Peterson, A., Albrecht, T. L., & Taub, J. W. (2012) · Journal of Psychosocial Oncology · doi:10.1080/07347332.2012.703771 · Cited by 33 · see citing works
“The growth of positive psychology has led to an increased focus on personal strengths in coping with stressful situations (Aspinwall, 2010; Bonanno, 2008; Carver, 2010; Park, 1998; Rasmussen, Wrosch, Scheier, & Carver, 2006).”
Background
Subjective health in relation to hedonic and eudaimonic wellbeing: Evidence from the Gallup World Poll
Joshanloo, M., & Jovanović, V. (2018) · Journal of Health Psychology · doi:10.1177/1359105318820104 · Cited by 33 · see citing works
“social support) processes have been proposed to act as mechanisms that mediate wellbeing and health relationships (Aspinwall and Tedeschi, 2010), which deserve attention in future global research.”
Background
Self‐management strategies used by head and neck cancer survivors following completion of primary treatment: A directed content analysis
Dunne, S. K., Mooney, O., Coffey, L., Sharp, L., Timmons, A., Desmond, D. M., Gooberman‐Hill, R., O’Sullivan, E. M., Keogh, I. J., Timon, C. V. I., et al. (2017) · Psycho-Oncology · doi:10.1002/pon.4447 · Cited by 32 · see citing works
“a generalized expectancy for positive outcomes [31]) has been found to predict QoL and one-year survival among HNC survivors [32-33].”
Well-Being, Aging, and Immunity
Friedman, E. M. (2012) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/oxfordhb/9780195394399.013.0003 · Cited by 31 · see citing works
The good, the bad (and the ugly): The role of curiosity in subjective well‐being and risky behaviors among adolescents
Jovanović, V., & Gavrilov‐Jerković, V. (2013) · Scandinavian Journal of Psychology · doi:10.1111/sjop.12084 · Cited by 32 · see citing works
Depression and anxiety in supportive oncology
Li, M., Boquiren, V., Lo, C., & Rodin, G. (2011) · Supportive Oncology · doi:10.1016/b978-1-4377-1015-1.00052-7 · Cited by 32 · see citing works
Improving diabetes self-management by mental contrasting
Adriaanse, M. A., de Ridder, D. T. D., & Voorneman, I. M. M. (2012) · Psychology and Health · doi:10.1080/08870446.2012.660154 · Cited by 31 · see citing works
“According to many psychologists, to live a more fruitful, productive, and healthy life, or even to beat cancer or cope with chronic diseases, it is essential to keep a positive outlook (Aspinwall & Tedeschi, 2010 ).”
Background
El Rol Predisponente del Optimismo: Hacia un Modelo Etiológico del Bienestar
Vera-Villarroel, P. E., Pavez, P., & Silva, J. R. (2012) · Terapia psicológica · doi:10.4067/s0718-48082012000200008 · Cited by 35 · see citing works
Resilience and health in American Indians and Alaska Natives: A scoping review of the literature
John-Henderson, N. A., White, E. J., & Crowder, T. L. (2023) · Development and Psychopathology · doi:10.1017/s0954579423000640 · Cited by 29 · see citing works
“This is of interest as the body of work on psychological resilience factors and health outcomes is quite robust across other racial and ethnic groups (Aspinwall & Tedeschi, 2010; Park et al., 2014).”
Small Changes and Lasting Effects (SCALE) Trial: The Formation of a Weight Loss Behavioral Intervention Using EVOLVE
Phillips, E., Winston, G. J., Peterson, J. C., Wansink, B. C., Devine, C. M., Kanna, B., Michelin, W., Wethington, E., Wells, M. T., Hollenberg, J. P., et al. (2015) · Contemporary Clinical Trials · doi:10.1016/j.cct.2015.01.003 · Cited by 29 · see citing works
“[45] Self-affirmation, a strategy to increase self-efficacy in threatening situations, may enhance people’s ability to overcome any negative expectations of their own ability to stay resolved to practice positive health behaviors.”
Background
Positive attributes and life satisfaction in homeless youth
Rew, L., Slesnick, N., Johnson, K. E., Aguilar, R., & Cengiz, A. (2019) · Children and Youth Services Review · doi:10.1016/j.childyouth.2019.02.021 · Cited by 28 · see citing works
Brief Report: Effects of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Group-Work on Promoting Post-traumatic Growth of Mothers Who Have a Child with ASD
Zhang, W., Yan, T., Du, Y., & Liu, X. (2014) · Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders · doi:10.1007/s10803-014-2051-8 · Cited by 29 · see citing works
“Positive psychological changes are also related to favorable health outcomes (Aspinwall and Tedeschi 2010).”
Kanser Deneyiminde Travma Sonrası Büyüme ve Psikolojik Sağlamlık
Üzar‐Özçetin, Y. S., & Hi̇çdurmaz, D. (2017) · Psikiyatride Guncel Yaklasimlar - Current Approaches in Psychiatry · doi:10.18863/pgy.290285 · Cited by 28 · see citing works
Resilience in Work-Related Stress Among Female Sex Workers in Hong Kong
Yuen, W. W. Y., Wong, W. C. W., Holroyd, E. A., & Tang, C. S. (2014) · Qualitative Health Research · doi:10.1177/1049732314544968 · Cited by 27 · see citing works
“…(Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000), the focus of some psychological research shifted from a deficit-based approach to studying strengths and virtues of an individual to capture a full spectrum of human experiences (Aspinwall & Tedeschi, 2010; Gable & Haidt, 2005; Mann, 2001; Wood & Tarrier, 2010).”
Background
Appreciation of Others Buffers the Associations of Stressful Life Events with Depressive and Physical Symptoms
Deichert, N. T., Chicken, M. L. P., & Hodgman, L. (2018) · Journal of Happiness Studies · doi:10.1007/s10902-018-9988-9 · Cited by 30 · see citing works
The Impact of Birth on Women’s Health and Wellbeing
Ayers, S., & Sawyer, A. (2019) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-24864-2_12 · Cited by 28 · see citing works
Parental coping in the context of having a child who is facing death: A theoretical framework
Darlington, A., Korones, D. N., & Norton, S. A. (2017) · Palliative & Supportive Care · doi:10.1017/s1478951517000463 · Cited by 27 · see citing works
“Negative and positive thoughts and feelings can coexist (Aspinwall & Tedeschi, 2010), and thus parents may embrace seemingly contradictory strategies in their efforts to achieve balance.”
Background
The moderating effects of positive psychological strengths on the relationship between tiger parenting and child anxiety
Tam, H.-L., Kwok, S. Y. C. L., Ling, C. C. Y., & Li, C. I.-K. (2018) · Children and Youth Services Review · doi:10.1016/j.childyouth.2018.10.012 · Cited by 27 · see citing works
Global positive expectancies in adolescence and health-related behaviours: Longitudinal models of latent growth and cross-lagged effects
Carvajal, S. (2011) · Psychology and Health · doi:10.1080/08870446.2011.633241 · Cited by 35 · see citing works
“The distinctiveness of optimism, hope and related constructs has been debated (Aspinwall & Tedeschi, 2010; Lagacé-Séguin & d’Entremont, 2010; Roesch & Vaughn, 2006; Smith, 2006; Tennen, Affleck, & Tennen, 2003).”
BackgroundInfluential
Theory, Measurement, and Controversy in Positive Psychology, Health Psychology, and Cancer: Basics and Next Steps
Gorin, S. S. (2010) · Annals of Behavioral Medicine · doi:10.1007/s12160-010-9171-y · Cited by 26 · see citing works
Editorial: Resilience and Vulnerability Factors in Response to Stress
Martin-Söelch, C., & Schnyder, U. (2019) · Frontiers in Psychiatry · doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00732 · Cited by 28 · see citing works
“These studies evidenced a strongly predictive effect of SOC on general mental health in nurses of intensive care units (Schäfer et al.)”
BackgroundInfluential
Positive mental health and wellbeing in adults with cystic fibrosis: a cross sectional study
Cronly, J., Duff, A., Riekert, K., Horgan, A., Lehane, E., Perry, I., Fitzgerald, A., Howe, B., Chroinin, M. N., & Savage, E. (2019) · Journal of Psychosomatic Research · doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2018.11.016 · Cited by 24 · see citing works
Posttraumatic growth in American and Japanese men: Comparing levels of growth and perceptions of indicators of growth.
Taku, K. (2012) · Psychology of Men & Masculinity · doi:10.1037/a0029582 · Cited by 24 · see citing works
Psychological Distress Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Protective Role of Hope
Flesia, L., Adeeb, M. A., Waseem, A., Helmy, M. S., & Monaro, M. (2023) · European Journal of Investigation in Health Psychology and Education · doi:10.3390/ejihpe13010005 · Cited by 26 · see citing works
“Hope is a source of strength: when we face life events with hope, we face them with a sense that there is something we can do about them; this feeling makes life “easier to live [89,90]”.”
Give Up or Get Going? Productive Uncertainty in Uncertain Times
Smith, G. C. M., James, L. E., Varnum, M. E. W., & Oyserman, D. (2014) · Self and Identity · doi:10.1080/15298868.2014.919958 · Cited by 23 · see citing works
“…people to acknowledge both their own capabilities and the uncertain nature of the world may be beneficial for inspiring continued goal-pursuit in a variety of domains (for conceptualizations related to trauma, see Aspinwall & Tedeschi, 2010; James, 2012; James, Noel, Favorite, & Jean, 2012).”
Background
Teaching the foundational principles of rehabilitation psychology.
Stiers, W. M. (2016) · Rehabilitation Psychology · doi:10.1037/rep0000078 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
Hope and self-efficacy are associated with better satisfaction with life in people with ALS
Galin, S., Heruti, I., Barak, N., & Gotkine, M. (2018) · Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Degeneration · doi:10.1080/21678421.2018.1476546 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
“Positive aspects of mental health or psychological protective factors (14,15) might explain the better than expected psychological state of PALS”
Background
Illness self-concept in Type 1 diabetes: A cross-sectional view on clinical, demographic, and psychosocial correlates
Luyckx, K., Rassart, J., & Weets, I. (2014) · Psychology Health & Medicine · doi:10.1080/13548506.2014.902482 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
“Such benefit finding could lead to enhanced well-being (Aspinwall & Tedeschi, 2010; Helgeson, Reynolds, & Tomich, 2006).”
Background
Positive Thinking, School Adjustment and Psychological Well-being among Chinese College Students
Chui, R. C. F., & Chan, C.-K. (2020) · The Open Psychology Journal · doi:10.2174/1874350102013010151 · Cited by 24 · see citing works
Mamma Mia – A randomized controlled trial of an internet intervention to enhance subjective well-being in perinatal women
Haga, S. M., Kinser, P. A., Wentzel‐Larsen, T., Lisøy, C., Garthus‐Niegel, S., Slinning, K., & Drozd, F. (2020) · The Journal of Positive Psychology · doi:10.1080/17439760.2020.1738535 · Cited by 21 · see citing works
Prioritizing Positivity, Styles of Rumination, Coping Strategies, and Posttraumatic Growth: Examining Their Patterns and Correlations in a Prospective Study
Zięba, M., Wiecheć, K., Wójcik, N. E., & Zięba, M. J. (2022) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.842979 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
Psychological and Physiological Health and Well-Being Implications of Political Skill: Toward a Multi-Mediation Organizing Framework
Ferris, G. R., Kane, R. E., Summers, J. K., & Munyon, T. P. (2011) · Research in occupational stress and well being · doi:10.1108/s1479-3555(2011)0000009007 · Cited by 21 · see citing works
A systematic review on the factors associated with positive experiences in carers of someone with cancer
Young, J., & Snowden, A. W. (2016) · European Journal of Cancer Care · doi:10.1111/ecc.12544 · Cited by 20 · see citing works
“This definition refers to positive characteristics and gains including positive affect, optimism, mastery, hope and meaning (Aspinwall & Tedeschi, 2010).”
Background
The Relationship Between Positive Psychological Attributes and Psychological Well-Being in Persons with HIV/AIDS
Mukolo, A., & Wallston, K. A. (2011) · AIDS and Behavior · doi:10.1007/s10461-011-0029-5 · Cited by 20 · see citing works
“Even though positive psychological factors (which have been shown to predict slower HIV disease progression[5] are only weakly, negatively correlated with psychological factors [9, 58], the capacity to thrive psychologically with HIV infection and its consequences is an advantageous quality.”
Background
Eudaimonic well‐being and tumor norepinephrine in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer
Davis, L. Z., Slavich, G. M., Thaker, P. H., Goodheart, M. J., Bender, D., Dahmoush, L., Farley, D. M., Markon, K. E., Penedo, F. J., Lubaroff, D. M., et al. (2015) · Cancer · doi:10.1002/cncr.29516 · Cited by 18 · see citing works
“Interest in psychological factors that may protect health has grown substantially in recent years.(5) Positive affect, or the well-being associated with pleasurable engagement with one’s environment (ie, hedonic well-being),(6) has been related to psychosocial resilience, longevity, and better health in healthy popula…”
Background
Identity Crises in Love and at Work
Andersson, M. A. (2012) · Social Psychology Quarterly · doi:10.1177/0190272512451753 · Cited by 23 · see citing works
Determinants of Workplace Stress among Healthcare Professionals in Ghana: An Empirical Analysis
Yeboah, M. A., Polytechnic, K., Ansong, M. O., Antwi, H. A., & Yiranbon, E. (2014) · Cited by 19 · see citing works
Examining Race and Gender Differences in Associations Among Body Appreciation, Eudaimonic Psychological Well-Being, and Intuitive Eating and Exercising
Romano, K. A., & Heron, K. E. (2022) · American Journal of Health Promotion · doi:10.1177/08901171211036910 · Cited by 20 · see citing works
Positive Psychology and Subjective Well-Being Homeostasis: A Critical Examination of Congruence
Cummins, R. A. (2012) · Social indicators research series · doi:10.1007/978-94-007-4963-4_5 · Cited by 18 · see citing works
Gender differences in Greek centenarians. A cross-sectional nation-wide study, examining multiple socio-demographic and personality factors and health locus of control
Tigani, X., Artemiadis, A., Alexopoulos, E. C., Chrousos, G. P., & Darviri, C. (2011) · BMC Geriatrics · doi:10.1186/1471-2318-11-87 · Cited by 18 · see citing works
“Optimism and a positive mood state have been indirectly linked to an internalized HLC, by fostering less risky health-related behaviors [37].”
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Life Satisfaction and Positive Adjustment as Predictors of Emotional Distress in Men With Coronary Heart Disease
Sanjuán, P., Ruiz, Á., & García, A. M. P. (2010) · Journal of Happiness Studies · doi:10.1007/s10902-010-9243-5 · Cited by 18 · see citing works
“From the positive psychology perspective, which focuses on the study of positive experience and psychological functioning (Seligman 2002; Seligman and Csikszentmihalyi 2000), there is currently a growing interest in researching, in connection with health psychology, how some positive phenomena may influence the etiolo…”
Background
The embodied and relational nature of the mind: implications for clinical interventions in aging individuals and populations
Rejeski, W. J., & Gauvin, L. I. (2013) · Clinical Interventions in Aging · doi:10.2147/cia.s44797 · Cited by 18 · see citing works
“A recent book(63) draws a portrait of 50 renowned individuals whose major life achievements occurred at age 50 or later: Fred Astaire made a very successful come back to the silver screen after he retired at age 50, Johan Sebastian Bach composed the Art of Fugue at 65, Sir Francis Chichester sailed around the world al…”
Korean Version of the 14-Item Resilience Scale (RS-14) for University Students: A Validity and Reliability Study
Kwon, H. J., & Kwon, S. J. (2014) · Journal of Korean Academy of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing · doi:10.12934/jkpmhn.2014.23.4.226 · Cited by 18 · see citing works
“There has been an emphasis on positive individual qualities, such as hope, optimism, spirituality, and forgiveness, and how these help to promote positive feelings, thoughts, and experiences to enhance happiness and health[3].”
Background
As long as you've got your health: Longitudinal relationships between positive affect and functional health in old age
Gana, K., Saada, Y., Broc, G., Quintard, B., Amieva, H., & Dartigues, J. (2015) · Social Science & Medicine · doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2015.11.038 · Cited by 17 · see citing works
“…resources and physical health as well as the potential psychobiological and psychosocial mechanisms underlying these relationships are still a matter of debate (Aspinwall and Tedeschi, 2010a; Aspinwall and Tedeschi, 2010b; Coyne et al., 2010; Pressman and Cohen, 2005; Steptoe et al., 2015).”
Background
Posttraumatic growth following a first episode of psychosis: a mixed methods research protocol using a convergent design
Jordan, G., MALLA, A. K., & Iyer, S. N. (2016) · BMC Psychiatry · doi:10.1186/s12888-016-0977-4 · Cited by 18 · see citing works
“Researchers have also opined that the positive sequelae and growth resulting from adversity are worthy of investigation [48].”
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Meaning, Spirituality, and Perceived Growth Across the Cancer Continuum: A Positive Psychology Perspective
Park, C. L., & Hanna, D. B. (2022) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-85702-8_6 · Cited by 16 · see citing works
Happy thus survivor? A systematic review and meta‐analysis on the association between cancer survival and positive states, emotions, and traits
Fontesse, S., Fournier, V., Gérain, P., Dassonneville, C., Lelorain, S., Duprez, C., Christophe, V., Piessen, G., & Grynberg, D. (2023) · Psycho-Oncology · doi:10.1002/pon.6224 · Cited by 16 · see citing works
“61 In that sense, it has been shown that interventions 49 The effect of level of arousal of positive emotions on mortality must thus be clarified.”
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The Sultan and the Soup: A Javanese Cultural Response to COVID-19
Rahiem, M. D. H., & Rahim, H. (2020) · Journal of Ethnic and Cultural Studies · doi:10.29333/ejecs/602 · Cited by 17 · see citing works
“Optimism and positive thinking encourage positive emotions, perceptions, and interactions to enhance health and well-being (Aspinwall & Tedeschi, 2010).”
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Is There Growth in Grief: Measuring Posttraumatic Growth in the Grief Response
Schoulte, J. C., Sussman, Z., Tallman, B. A., Deb, M., Cornick, C., & ALTMAIER, E. M. (2012) · Open Journal of Medical Psychology · doi:10.4236/ojmp.2012.13007 · Cited by 16 · see citing works
Introduction to Special Series: The Great Debate—Evaluating the Health Implications of Positive Psychology
Miller, S. M., Sherman, A. C., & Christensen, A. J. (2010) · Annals of Behavioral Medicine · doi:10.1007/s12160-010-9173-9 · Cited by 15 · see citing works
“Tedeschi [16], who highlight some of the recent advances in this area and the potential value of this line of inquiry.”
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Anticipated posttraumatic growth from cancer: The roles of adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies
Tallman, B. A. (2012) · Counselling Psychology Quarterly · doi:10.1080/09515070.2012.728762 · Cited by 15 · see citing works
“It is also important to assess for anticipated deleterious consequences resulting from chronic illnesses (Aspinwall & Tedeschi, 2010).”
BackgroundMethod

Of Babies and Bathwater: A Reply to Coyne and Tennen’s Views on Positive Psychology and Health
Aspinwall, L. G., & Tedeschi, R. G. (2010) · Annals of Behavioral Medicine · doi:10.1007/s12160-010-9155-y · Cited by 48 · see citing works
Self-citation
Sense of Coherence and Optimism: A More Positive Approach to Health
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Positive Psychology and Physical Health
Park, N., Peterson, C., Szvarca, D., Molen, R. J. V., Kim, E. S., & Collon, K. W. (2014) · American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine · doi:10.1177/1559827614550277 · Cited by 132 · see citing works
AN ANALYSIS OF PHYSICAL HEALTH AND POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
Divya (2023) · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · doi:10.5281/zenodo.10183975
Positive Psychology in Cancer Care: A Story Line Resistant to Evidence
Coyne, J. C., Tennen, H. A., & Ranchor, A. V. (2010) · Annals of Behavioral Medicine · doi:10.1007/s12160-010-9157-9 · Cited by 114 · see citing works

Authors: Aspinwall, L. G., & Tedeschi, R. G.
Affiliations: University of Utah (US)
University of North Carolina at Charlotte (US)
Corresponding author: Aspinwall, Lisa G.
ORCID: Aspinwall, Lisa G.
Tedeschi, Richard G.
Venue: Annals of Behavioral Medicine
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Published: 2010-01-21
Volume: 39
Issue: 1
Pages: 4-15
ISSN: 0742-5554 (ISSN-L)
0883-6612
1532-4796
DOI: 10.1007/s12160-009-9153-0
OpenAlex: W2095639382
Semantic Scholar: daa089406818be30f260af382ebd347ca57ec66a
Cited by: 271
References: 138
Citations by year: 2026: 13 · 2025: 10 · 2024: 12 · 2023: 15 · 2022: 14 · 2021: 13 · 2020: 15 · 2019: 8 · 2018: 13 · 2017: 17 · 2016: 25 · 2015: 20 · 2014: 31 · 2013: 17 · 2012: 24
FWCI: 2.18
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: Annals of Behavioral Medicine (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Optimism, Hope, and Well-being
Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction
Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Health, psychology, and well-being
Keywords: positive psychology, health psychology, optimism, sense of coherence, posttraumatic growth, positive thinking, well-being, health interventions
MeSH terms: Affect, Behavioral Medicine, Health, Humans, Mental Health, Models, Psychological, Psychological Theory

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The Value of Positive Psychology for Health Psychology: Progress and Pitfalls in Examining the Relation of Positive Phenomena to Health

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